Planning for Parenting Time: Ohio's Guide for Parents Living Apart

Long-Distance Parenting and Relocation
Example: Chris and Terry have been divorced for four years in Ohio and
both remarried. Each parent has a new toddler. The parties have teenaged
twins, a daughter and a son. The twins primarily live with Chris and spend
substantial time with Terry. Chris and Terry have continuing conflicts. The
twins are entering their sophomore year of high school. This year, Chris gave
Terry timely notice of an intent to move to California at the end of the school
semester because Chris’s new spouse is being transferred to Sacramento.
Terry objects and files a request to prohibit the relocation of the twins. Chris
says Terry is opposing the move out of spite. Terry says Chris is using the
move to damage further Terry’s relationship with the kids.
Possible solutions:
1) The parents put aside their conflict and consider the impacts, good and
bad, of the move on the teens.
2) The parents consider child interviews.
3) Chris’s new spouse asks at work about a hardship move back to Ohio.
4) The parents price the cost for transportation to and from California.
5) The parents seek advice from educational professionals on the impact of a
change in high schools.
6) The parents meet in mediation to explore more options.
7) The parents continue to discuss solutions between themselves or through
their attorneys.
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